2012 Commentary: Obama Should Address Medicare, Increase Funding for Medical Research

Abstract: During his second term, President Barack Obama needs to focus on an important issue facing our nation-the graying of the American populace. He can fix this problem by increasing federal funding for medical research and by reforming the Medicare system. CONTENT:

Biodesign buildings at Arizona State University (1).

 I congratulate President Barack Obama on his election night victory. I hope that he will be able to put partisanship aside and work with both parties in Congress to deal with an important issue facing our nation: the graying of the American populace. Obama can ameliorate this problem by keeping a 2008 promise to increase federal funding for medical research and by reforming the Medicare system.

The Census Bureau estimates that around 40 million Americans are currently older than 65. That number will increase dramatically, to 88.5 million people, by 2050. This senior citizen boom will place a serious burden on the U.S. health care system. As worrisome, some experts predict that the burgeoning senior population will bankrupt Medicare by 2024 if nothing is done to address the issue.

The president can help address the problems associated with the senior citizen boom if he keeps a 2008 promise to increase federal funding for medical research. Specifically, Obama should allocate billions of dollars toward the study of age related diseases. Armed with increased resources, scientists can make a concerted effort to find cures (or at least better treatments) for Alzheimer's disease and other debilitating, age-onset illnesses.

Obama should also work with Congress to make sure that Medicare does not go bankrupt in the foreseeable future. He can ensure Medicare's viability by increasing funding for the program or by restructuring it. Whichever method he chooses, the president must do something. Americans of all ages need to know that Medicare will be there for them when they retire. The issue is too important to be put aside.

1. Photographer:  Nick Schweitzer
    Date: January 15, 2007
    Title/Description: Biodesign buildings at Arizona State University.
    Location/Permission: Wikimedia Commons - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic
                                     license (click on the title or caption to see the photo, credits, and permissions).

-- Anthony Hopper

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